18 of the Most Charming Small Towns Across America

Small town America is alive and well.

Apr 7, 2015

Small town America is alive and well.

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JosephA/Flickr Creative Commons

Ligonier, PA

Population: 1,560
Settled in the 1760s, Ligonier is home to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. One of its most charming features: The historic, downtown square still has a bandstand at its center.
For more information, visit Ligonier.com.

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Leavenworth, WA

Population: 1,992
We're not sure it gets more charming than this: The entire town of Leavenworth is modeled on a Bavarian village.
For more information, visit Leavenworth.org.

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Stowe, VT

Population: 4,339
Featuring Vermont's highest mountain, Stowe has become a popular tourist destination for skiers—not to mention those who simply want to enjoy its small town New England quaintness.
For more information, visit GoStowe.com.

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Cedric Angeles

Leiper's Fork, TN

Population: 650
During the village's boom days a century ago, the Middle Tennessee Railroad stopped here. The trains quit running in 1927, and the town seemingly went to sleep—but in recent years, a revitalization has turned the place into the ultimate small-town utopia.
For more information visit VisitLeipersFork.com.

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GoBucks2/Flickr Creative Commons

Maysville, KY

Population:8,920
Once an important stop on the Underground Railroad, this picturesque Ohio River city is filled with history—Rosemary Clooney was born here, for example!
For more information, visit CityofMaysville.com.

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Beaufort, SC

Population: 12,967
Chock-full of historic sites, a vibrant arts culture, outdoor activities, and a bustling dining scene, this little Lowcountry town simply oozes with charm.
For more information, visit BeaufortSC.org.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Population: 3,842
Known for its beautiful scenery and charming little storybook cottages, this seaside community has several quirky laws on the books, including a ban on wearing high heels without a permit.
For more information, visit CarmelCalifornia.com.

Population: 4,205
This quaint seaside village boasts the nation's largest maritime museum as well as some seriously stunning ocean views.
For more information, visit Mystic.org.

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Courtesy of Jason Barnette/Southeastern Traveler

Abingdon, VA

Population: 8,206
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll find plenty of rivers, lakes, and trails in the town of Abingdon, not to mention a historic downtown filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops.
For more information, visit VisitAbingdonVirginia.com.

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Jackson, WY

Population: 9,577
This small, cowboy town is conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the popular Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
For more information, visit WyomingTourism.org.

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JR P/ Flickr Creative Commons

Dahlonega, GA

Population: 6,049
This northern Georgia town, which was the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S., is now a popular destination for those looking to experience North Georgia Wine Country.
For more information, visit Dahlonega.org.

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Ketchum, ID

Population: 2,706
With easy access to world-renowned skiing in nearby Sun Valley, this sleepy Idaho town also offers its own array of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and trail riding.
Find more information at KetchumIdaho.org.

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Edgartown, MA

Population: 3,779
This former whaling port is now a popular summer destination for those who want to soak in its small coastal town charms.
For more information, visit Edgartown-Ma.us.

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Frankenmuth, MI

Population: 4,898
The Michigan town, nicknamed is "Little Bavaria," boasts the world's largest Christmas store.
For more information, visit Frankenmuth.org.

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Marfa, TX

Population: 1,819
Originally founded in the 1880s as a waterstop, this quirky, out-of-the-way desert city has become a popular place for art installations and galleries.
For more information, visit VisitMarfa.com.

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Breckenridge, CO

Population:4,648
This tiny mountain town is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to hiking, fly-fishing, skiing, and white water rafting, just to name a few of the outdoorsy activities available.
For more information, visit TownofBreckenridge.com.

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Sitka, AK

Population: 9,020
Situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean at the foot of glacial-carved mountains, this picturesque village's Russian heritage can be seen in its onion-shaped domes.
For more information, visit CityofSitka.com.

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Galena, IL

Population:3,361
Galena, once home to nine Civil War generals, is now home to quaint bed and breakfasts, Illinois' only ski resort, golf courses, wineries, and more.
For more information, visit Galena.org.

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